health
“Astonishing” discovery could help save children from deadly disfiguring condition
A previously unknown species of bacteria found in patients with noma could be key to creating treatments for the neglected tropical disease
TL;DR
- A new species of *Treponema* bacteria, named *Treponema A*, has been identified in children with noma.
- Noma is a severe childhood disease that is fatal in 90% of untreated cases and causes significant facial disfigurement.
- The discovery could lead to early diagnostic tests for noma at the gingivitis stage.
- Targeted treatments against *Treponema A* could be more effective and reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance compared to current broad-spectrum antibiotics.
- The study also suggests that a decrease in healthy bacteria in noma patients might be addressed with probiotics.
- Researchers are planning larger studies to confirm causality and explore the bacteria's role in the disease.
- Most reported cases of noma occur in the Sahel region of Africa, but it is also found globally.